At this time of the season I like to start putting in some longer training rides in preparation for the 100 mile and 12 hour TT events coming up later in the year. This particular run is approx 100 miles fairly flat the Cheshire and Shropshire dairy farming countryside mostly along lanes avoiding the main roads as much as possible. The roads are mostly quiet through the week apart from farm traffic. The route from West Kirby follows the A 540 to Badgers Rake Lane and includes some short tarmaced but off road sections to go through Chester Zoo to reach Chester and then out to Beeston Castle. It then passes the east side of the Peckforton Hills to reach Cholmondley Castle where it turns westward to follow the lanes to Wrenbury where it crosses the canal beside the Dusty Miller and on through more lanes to Whitchurch. Heading NW out of Whitchurch to Grindley Brook, it turns left at the Horse and Jockey and then on through Malpas to cross the Broxton Wrexham road at the Cock o' Barton (Stretton). Along more lanes from Coddington to Churton and then back to Chester through Aldford. Around the Roodee and up the Dee Embankment to Hawarden railway bridge, through the industrial estate andback to West Kirby,
99.23 miles, 7hrs 30 mins, 3,500 feet of ascent.
Refuelling stop ; Banana and homemade flapjack (Blue Peter recipe)
Drinks bottles 2x 950 ml waterbottle with salt tabs